Library & Museum Services

The library's staff is available to assist people researching the history of The American Legion, veterans issues and U.S. involvement in the wars of the 20th and 21st centuries. Individuals with in-depth questions may be asked to visit the library in person to conduct their research or utilize a paid researcher. If you are interested in visiting the library, please contact us to make an appointment. A microfilm reader/printer and a photocopier are available in the library at a cost of 25 cents per page.

Our ability to assist genealogists is very limited. To protect the privacy of members, the library is unable to release any membership information. Those interested in an individual’s service records should contact the National Archives Personnel Records Center or their state archives.

On a limited basis, The American Legion Library's staff can help with locating former military comrades by forwarding mail to current members of The American Legion. The only information we have is the current names and addresses of Legion members. We do not have access to a member’s former branch of service, rank, service number, telephone number or Social Security number. We will forward a letter from you to matching names from our membership list. Five letters may be forwarded free for members with a nominal charge for additional letters. Non-members may request this service for a fee. Those seeking information about former comrades can also consult the book, How to Locate Anyone Who is or Has Been in the Military by Lt. Col. Richard Johnson and Debra Johnson Know or utilize buddy finders and military reunion sites available online.

The office of the national historian is also located in the library. While the national historian spends most of the year in his or her home state, correspondence and matters of post and department histories are handled in Indianapolis. Each year during the week of the National Executive Committee meetings in October, the national historian oversees the judging of the national department and post history contests.

The library is also responsible for tracking resolutions submitted to and passed by the national organization. Those interested in writing resolutions or reports can print out a guide or contact the library for a printed copy. To view active resolutions, please visit the Digital Archive.